Jamie Smith says Mark Wood is "near-enough full tilt" after the fast bowler took another positive step in his recovery ahead of the Ashes.

Wood suffered an injury scare last week during England's warm-up match against the Lions, and underwent a hamstring scan before he was cleared to feature in the opening Test.

It is still yet to be seen if Wood will be fit enough to start the first match of the series, which begins in Perth on Friday.

However, he returned to training along with the rest of the team and was back in the nets, with Smith coming up against him.

"He was absolutely rapid, I can tell you that firsthand," said Smith.

"He's definitely one to avoid on the list. He's near-enough full tilt, so it's good signs for us."

 

 

 

 

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England are reportedly "optimistic" that Wood will be in the starting line-up as they are expected to go for an all-pace attack.

Wood is the only specialist bowler with previous Ashes tour experience, taking 17 wickets at 26.64 during the 2021-22 series.